Experience Iowa’s Grant Wood Scenic Byway motorcycle route

Many begin their ride in Stone City, heading southeast to Anamosa, once home to the National Motorcycle Museum, which closed in 2023.

From Anamosa, continue along Hwy. 64, passing through the towns of Wyoming, Monmouth, Baldwin, and Maquoketa. Once you hit the town of Andrew, head east on E17/150^th St until you reach Springbrook. Then, complete your ride on Z15/362^nd Ave to Bellevue, where you can take in the mighty Mississippi River.

The route is relatively short—you could ride the whole thing non-stop in 90 minutes—and you can find places to fill up your tank and grab a snack in most of the small towns along the way. But if you’re planning on taking in some of the sights and landmarks, use our interactive Grant Wood Scenic Byway route map to help plan your route.

Below, you’ll find the average monthly temperatures for Baldwin, IA, which is near the halfway point of the byway. Use the averages as you plan your trip so you can pack accordingly.

During the rainy season—which is mostly spring and early summer—watch for high river levels that could reach the road.

• Be aware of high traffic areas. Scenic byways can attract many tourists in the summer and fall. Practice defensive riding by watching out for stopped or slowed traffic, distracted drivers, pedestrians, and uncontrolled intersections.

• Share the road. This rural byway is used by farmers with large equipment—especially in the spring and fall. Use patience and caution when approaching these vehicles, and never try to pass on hills or curves.

• Be prepared for loose gravel. While the byway itself is entirely paved, many of the roads that branch off from it are gravel-covered. If you hit gravel, don’t brake or accelerate. Just ride as upright and straight as possible until you’re past it.

There’s plenty to do and experience on this scenic byway. Travel Iowa’s map is a great reference, especially when looking for spots to eat. Here are some additional places of interest:

There's no shortage of historic spots along this byway, offering everything from a working blacksmith shop in Stone City (open to the public by appointment) to the historic Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum with its fascinating collection of artifacts.

Other suggestions:

• Clinton Engines Museum

• Hurtsville Lime Kilns

• Grant Wood Art Gallery in Stone City

Enjoy nature around every bend of the byway—whether you want to rent kayaks or tubes at Stone City's Wapsipinicon River Adventures or hike in Monmouth's Pine Valley Nature Area.

Other suggestions:

• Maquoketa Caves State Park

• Eden Valley Refuge in Baldwin

• Bellevue State Park

Whether you’re exploring the Grant Wood Scenic Byway motorcycle route for the first time as an Iowa native or you’re from out of state, you need the right motorcycle insurance. Know the insurance requirements when riding in Iowa and make sure you have the coverage you need—like bodily injury liability and property damage liability—and want, like roadside assistance and custom equipment.

Have questions? We're here to help—contact us today!